| Paw Colors | Points |
|---|---|
| Grey | 0-49 |
| Red | 50-149 |
| Orange | 150-299 |
| Green | 300-599 |
| Magenta | 600-1499 |
| Purple | 1500-4999 |
| Blue | 5000-9999 |
| Brown | 10000-24999 |
| Black | 25000+ |
should i let my cat run around outside in a new place or take him around on a leash?
we just moved (again) and there is a road within 7 feet of our front door but we are going to let him out our back door. there is a little brook but if he goes to far up he will go into the golf corse he is a really smart cat so i dont think he will go into the road but i dont want him on the corse because they might put him in the pound or call animal control or something and i dont want to lose him so what should i do????????????????????????????????????
Keywords: should i let my cat run around outside in a new place o
Answers to this question
6 Answers
6
I would certainly not let him run around outside in a new place. I personally don’t believe cats should be outside…ever. Neither does the HSUS think cats should be outside.
Consider these hazards and then decide if it’s worth the risk to let your cat out….
Traffic. Collisions with cars and other vehicles are common cat killers. It is a myth that cats are “street wise” about cars. Cats are intelligent and alert but, like most other animals, stand little chance against fast-moving vehicles.
Winters-It is very common for cats to climb up under the hood of a vehicle to lie near the engine for it’s warmth. Disaster strikes when the car is started. The fan belt is deadly and many cats, if they survive, lose limbs.
Diseases. Rabies and other diseases that can be transmitted to humans are a serious public health concern. And free-roaming cats are far more likely to come in contact with other animals who commonly carry rabies, like raccoons. In fact, cats are more than twice as likely to become infected with rabies as dogs.* There are other serious diseases that affect only cats. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, as many as 15% of sick cats are infected with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)—and many cats have both. These viruses are fatal and transmitted through contact with other cats. Disease is one reason that two out of three veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors.
Diseases for which we currently do not have vaccines for (Feline Aids), or vaccines that are not reliably effective (Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis).
Heartworm. Yes, it is true that a cat can get heartworm, through mosquito bites. Shorthairs are at higher risk than longhairs.
Skin cancer. Light colored kitties (especially white) are at risk for skin cancer of the ears due to exposure to direct sunlight.
Toxoplasmosis. A single celled organism that cats can ingest while eating prey that has been exposed. Not only can it kill a cat, it is contagious to people and can result in severe birth defects to human babies whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Wearing rubber gloves while handling litter pan duties and gardening is highly recommended for pregnant women. Finding another home for your cherished pet is NOT necessary.
Poisons. Poisons exist on chemically treated lawns, in bait left out to kill rats or mice, and in auto antifreeze—which has an appealing taste—that leaks from cars.
Fleas. Free-roaming cats inevitably pick up fleas and ticks and then bring these pests into the home. Fleas can cause anemia, skin irritations, and allergies in cats—and transmit diseases to humans through their bites. Outdoor cats suffer from ear mites and worms that indoor cats are generally not exposed to.
Other Animals. Cats, dogs and wild predators such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are potential enemies of cats and often engage in fights that leave cats injured or dead. Outdoor cats can suffer torn ears, cut eyes, abscesses, and other injuries requiring expensive veterinary treatment. (an untreated abscess can kill a cat) And it’s not just tomcats. Female cats also get into fights because the very nature of cats is territorial.
Cruel People. Shelter workers see cats who have been tortured by children and disturbed adults. Cats are often the victims of burning, tarring and feathering, and other tortures. Animal dealers may collect outside cats for sale to research facilities. Outside pets are at the mercy of the people they encounter.
Cats do not observe property lines by any means. To them, a fence is something to climb on, not a barrier. Your neighbor may not have a problem shooting, trapping or poisoning your family pet.
Traps:
It is estimated that over 100,000 cats are caught in traps each year. Those who aren’t killed may suffer for days before being released and often lose limbs fro the injuries.
Hanging/choking. Those neat little cat collars which do not provide breakaway or stretch releases have killed many a cat.
Loss of Home. Fewer than 5% of “found” cats taken in by animal shelters are reunited with their families. Having your cat microchipped provides a valuable ID system.
Pet Overpopulation:
Unaltered cats allowed to roam and mate at will account for millions of the cats that must be euthanized each year because there aren’t enough homes for them. Allowing unaltered animals outside is irresponsible and at the root of the terrible pet overpopulation problem.
Cats can be completely happy inside if you provide them with toys, good care and most importantly, lots of love and attention. If you have a kitten, start it out right by never letting him or her outside. Older cats that are used to the “great outdoors” can make the transition to being indoor cats with time and attention. Spaying and neutering cats will also help you keep them indoors.
As if that is not enough food for thought, consider our wildlife. Cats kill many songbirds each year, plus rabbits, squirrels, mice, chipmunks, reptiles, etc. Most areas are not overrun with these creatures, and cats are not performing a necessary service by killing them.
Comments to Answer
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A few months ago I saw a cat get hit by a car. It broke my heart...another cat was chasing her. The first one made it but the second kitty got struck by the car in front of me. That car didn't stop but I did. The cat was killed instantly. I nearly threw up....not a pleasant sight.
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So why would you minus a story, guys? It's what happened.....
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That's so terrible! :( Poor kitty.
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That's sad :(
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Yea, I would NOT let your cat out unsupervised. I’ve seen”smart” cats get run over by cars, even cats that lived outside their whole lives for years in same place and never moved, all it takes is for them to get spooked by a stray dog or wild animal or get in a fight with another cat or anything like that and they’re off like a shot, and you can bet your bippy they’re not going to worry about a car when they dash across the street. Maybe they’ll be lucky, maybe they’ll be roadside pizza. All the dangers Catsofmany pointed out are there too.
Your cat is better off indoors or outside on the harness and leash where you can make sure he doesn’t get killed. Letting him out the back door is no guarantee he won’t walk around the house and go right into the street. Plus if he wanders onto the golf course… well some people are cruel to cats just because they can be, the last thing you want is some jerk with an attitude hitting your cat with a golf club just to be nasty.
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i also dont want him stuck somewhere near the brook in the mud or something.
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try making a high fence that is not wood(so the cat cant climb it)around your back yard with a gate that leaves a very small gap between the gate and fence
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Yeah, definately walk him on a leash. My kitty would be an outdoor cat by now if she weren’t so fat! She can’t fit into the harness, and she doesn’t like her collar! Anyway, kitties are all smart. Which means there’s always a possibility that they could get hurt. Just walk your kitty around the yard, or tie up his leash on a tree so he can’t run away. Don’t underestimate his intelligence!
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